Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Phenelzine
Severity: Contraindicated
Paroxetine and Phenelzine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Paroxetine given with phenelzine can precipitate serotonin syndrome, which may be fatal. Presentation includes hyperthermia, myoclonus, rigidity, agitation and autonomic instability.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Phenelzine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Serotonin reuptake inhibition plus irreversible MAO inhibition produces excessive serotonin accumulation.
What to do
Do not combine. Wait at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting paroxetine, and at least 14 days after stopping paroxetine before starting phenelzine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Phenelzine
- 5-HTP + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Amoxapine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Benzphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Brimonidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paroxetine with Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Paroxetine and Phenelzine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Paroxetine given with phenelzine can precipitate serotonin syndrome, which may be fatal. Presentation includes hyperthermia, myoclonus, rigidity, agitation and autonomic instability.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine and Phenelzine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not combine. Wait at least 14 days after stopping phenelzine before starting paroxetine, and at least 14 days after stopping paroxetine before starting phenelzine.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Pimozide. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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